Dharan, March 5

Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) lifted the title of the 18th International Invitational Red Bull Budha Subba Gold Cup Football Tournament with a 1-0 victory over Nepal Police Club (NPC) here on Saturday.

Afeej Olawale scored the solitary goal in the 87th minute to give MMC their third title of the season. They had earlier won the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup in Pokhara and Suman Bomjam Memorial Gold Cup in Hetauda.MMC’s win also avenged their loss at the hands of NPC in Birat Gold Cup last week. The four-time winners NPC created a host of opportunities to score but the strikers couldn’t convert the chances. In their best chance, NPC’s Jumanu Rai failed to score in one-on-one situation with MMC’s Kiran Chemjong.

MMC received Rs 400,000, while NPC got Rs 250,000. MMC also dominated individual awards with six honours. MMC’s Chemjong was named the best player of the tournament and received a Yamaha motorcycle. MMC skipper Anil Gurung, Heman Gurung, Chemjong and Tshring Lopsang received the best striker, midfielder, goalkeeper and coach awards respectively, while Suraj BK of NPC was named the best defender. They received Rs 11,000 each.

The highest goal scorer of the tournament, Afeez Olawale received Rs 25,000. Member Secretary of National Sports Council Keshab Kumar Bista, President of Dharan Football Club Kishor Rai and proprietor of Baraha Jewellery Ganga Kalikote handed over the prizes.